The Hadza are
a
unique population of hunter-gatherers living in the Lake
Eyasi region of northern Tanzania. Their way of life
dates back millennia, living off of the land by hunting
wild game, collecting wild plants and honey, and sleeping
in simple grass huts in the dry African
savannah. The Hadza are familiar with the
outside world of towns and technology, but while they are
gracious neighbors most have chosen to follow the life
ways of their parents and grandparents, keeping their
vibrant and fascinating culture alive.

Challenges to
Hadza Health and Culture

Unfortunately, while the
Hadza have adapted to their ever changing environmental
and social landscape in the past, recent challenges
threaten their health and way of life. Diseases such
as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV are common in nearby
villages, and increased interaction with growing villages
near Hadza lands threatens to spread these and other
illnesses. Climate change and population growth also
threaten Hadza access to the wild game, wild plants, and
water on which they depend. Much of their
traditional homeland has already been lost to them.

The Hadza’s foraging
lifestyle has proven resilient for thousands of years, but
leaves them in a precarious position today.

Our
Approach
The Hadza Fund was developed by researchers who have
worked with the Hadza community for years to document
and understand their way of life; it is our way of
giving back. We seek to promote and preserve Hadza
culture by improving community health and documenting
their way of life. Specifically, we work with the
Hadza and with other Tanzanian partners to support Hadza
health care costs over the short term while also
identifying initiatives that will improve their health
over the long term. As researchers, we also
believe that continued work documenting Hadza life ways
is vital to the long term survival of their culture and
will improve efforts to promote community health.

Mission Statement
The Mission of the Hadza Fund is to support healthcare and
research initiatives that improve the health of the Hadza
people and promote a better understanding of their
culture. The Hadza Fund seeks to improve the health
of the Hadza by increasing access to and supporting the
costs of medical care, and by supporting research that
seeks to understand the context of Hadza health by
documenting their way of life.